Science Subject Leaders Network 2014-15

Monday 15th June 2015George Spencer Academy

Jules Gordon – Curriculum Leader for Science, George Spencer Academy

Science Subject Leaders Network 2014-15

Sessions

MorningStudent AccountabilityEngaging LearnersCASE – The updated programmeGCSE Combined Science discussion - What to do with year 9?Opportunities for CPD

AfternoonA Level Practicals

ProgrammeTime Session

 Lead

09.00  09.10 Arrival, coffee, register and introductions 09.10  09.15 Welcome Jules Gordon, GSA Science Leader09.15  09.45  09:45 10:15

Student Accountability Engaging Learners

Rob Cruxon, Sutton Community Academy Science Leader Sue Harman, Top Valley Academy Second in Science

10.15  10.30 Coffee and Networking

10.30  11.00 

CASE – The updated programme Mary Oliver, UoN Associate Professor in Science Education

 11:00  12:00  12:00  12:30

GCSE Combined Science discussion- What to do with year 9? Opportunities for CPDRachel Barrett – National VideoGame ArcadeJules Gordon – RCUK cutting edge ScienceJules Gordon – Future Science Subject Leader meetings

Jules Gordon, GSA Science Leader

12.30  13.20 Lunch 13.20  15.00 A Level Practicals George Spencer Science Technicians15.00 Close

Plenary – completing learning logs, evaluation forms, revisiting STEM portal.

Date for next Science Networks in 2015-16 – Monday 23rd November, 2015 Venue – National STEM Centre, York– Tuesday 2nd February, 2016 Venue - George Spencer Academy– Wednesday 22nd June, 2016 Venue - George Spencer Academy

GCSE Combined Science discussion- What to do with year 9?

Outcomes

Recall the changes to the courses on offer and assessment of these courses for current Year 8 students.

Formulate a plan for Year 9 to enable staff and students to be ready for these courses.

Determining progression

6

Age 5 Age 7 Age 11 Age 16 Age 18

Baseline assessment

KS1 assessment

KS2 assessment

GCSE assessment

GCE assessment

Expected standard

?

? (L2b)

?(L4b)

?G4/5

?A*

Quick Quiz

1. When can you begin teaching Year 10 students the new specifications?

A)September 2015 B)September 2016 C)September 2017

Quick Quiz

1. When can you begin teaching Year 10 students the new specifications?

A)September 2015 B)September 2016 C)September 2017

You can begin teaching Year 10 students from September 2016. However, 60% of you have told us you’ll begin teaching from the draft specification with Year 9 students during the 2015/16 academic year.

Quick Quiz

2. When are the first exams for the new GCSE science specifications?

A) Summer 2016 B) Summer 2017 C) Autumn 2018 D) Summer 2018

Quick Quiz

2. When are the first exams for the new GCSE science specifications?

A) Summer 2016 B) Summer 2017 C) Autumn 2018 D) Summer 2018

The first exams for the new specifications will be in summer 2018.

Quick Quiz

3. Will there still be a single award for combined science?

A) Yes, Core and Additional Science will still be available B) Yes, but only Core Science C) Yes, but only Additional Science D) No

Quick Quiz

3. Will there still be a single award for combined science?

A) Yes, Core and Additional Science will still be available B) Yes, but only Core Science C) Yes, but only Additional Science D) No

No. Single award combined science will no longer be offered.

Quick Quiz

4. Which of the following statements describes the exam structure for the new science specifications?

A) All science specifications combine exams and non-exam assessment throughout the two year course B) All science specifications are linear, which means students take exams at the end of the course C) All science specifications are modular, which means students take exams at several points over the first year and second year of the course

Quick Quiz4. Which of the following statements describes the exam structure for the new science specifications?

A) All science specifications combine exams and non-exam assessment throughout the two year course B) All science specifications are linear, which means students take exams at the end of the course C) All science specifications are modular, which means students take exams at several points over the first year and second year of the course

All new science specifications will be examined at the end of the student’s course.

Quick Quiz

5. Will there be opportunities to resit exams for the current specifications?

A) Yes B) No

Quick Quiz

5. Will there be opportunities to resit exams for the current specifications?

A) Yes B) No

Yes, but only until 2017 when the last exams for these specifications will be taken.

Quick Quiz

6. What is the grading structure for the new GCSE specifications?

A) Same as current structure: alphabetical grades (where A* is highest) B) Same as current structure: alphabetical grades, but with A* removed C) Numerical grades 1-9 (where 1 is highest) D) Numerical grades 9-1 (where 9 is highest)

Quick Quiz6. What is the grading structure for the new GCSE specifications?

A) Same as current structure: alphabetical grades (where A* is highest) B) Same as current structure: alphabetical grades, but with A* removed C) Numerical grades 1-9 (where 1 is highest) D) Numerical grades 9-1 (where 9 is highest)

Numerical grades will replace alphabetical A* to E grades, with 9 being the highest and 1 the lowest. Students who’ve completed GCSE combined science double award qualifications will receive two grades, eg 1-1, 1-2, 8-9.

Quick Quiz

7. Will students have access to a periodic table in their exams?

A) Yes B) Yes, but it will not have the reactivity series C) No

Quick Quiz

7. Will students have access to a periodic table in their exams?

A) Yes B) Yes, but it will not have the reactivity series C) No

Students will still have access to a periodic table but it will not have the reactivity series.

Quick Quiz

8. How will practical skills be assessed for GCSE science? A) In written exams only B) In written exams and through non-exam assessment C) Through non-exam assessment only

Quick Quiz

8. How will practical skills be assessed for GCSE science? A) In written exams only B) In written exams and through non-exam assessment C) Through non-exam assessment only

Students will be assessed on their practical skills through questions in their exam papers

Where to start with year 9…

AQA – Biomimicryhttp://www.aqa.org.uk/resources/science/gcse/teach/six-week-teaching-pack-biomimicry

Edexcel - Biology, Chemistry and Physics materialshttp://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/sciences-2016.coursematerials.html#filterQuery=category:Pearson-UK:Category%2FTeaching-and-learning-materials

OCR – routes A and B are swapping over so Gateway becomes route A – mapping tool available and some resourceshttp://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-and-a-level-reform/teaching-and-learning-resources/

Discussion

Look at the resources using the ipad or the printed sheets.

Key questions to discuss:• When are you starting to teach GCSE courses?• How will triple Science be offered?• What will you do to cater for lower ability?• Will you stay with the same exam board?• How are you recording practicals?• How are you assessing against the 1-9 grading?

GCSE Combined Science discussion- What to do with year 9?

Outcomes

Recall the changes to the courses on offer and assessment of these courses for current Year 8 students.

Formulate a plan for Year 9 to enable staff and students to be ready for these courses.

Further opportunities for CPD...Local STEM – Phil Hughes – phil.hughes@pheduconsultants.co.uk Teachmeets – Questioning is tomorrow (16th June @4:15)SLP courses – flyers sent by Redhill / Tuxford

Date for Science Networks in 2015-16 – Monday 23rd November, 2015 Venue – National STEM Centre, York (TBC)– Tuesday 2nd February, 2016 Venue - George Spencer Academy– Wednesday 22nd June, 2016 Venue - George Spencer Academy

A Level Practicals

Outcomes

Recall how to do the practicals for A level Sciences and provide support for those not done before.

Discuss which investigative science strands are going to be taught and assessed with each practical and how this is to be achieved.

Assessment of practicals at A levelAQA - http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/cross-board-practical-trial-autumn-2014 (from 2014 but sets the scene)EDEXCEL - http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/biology-a-2015.html#tab-Aboutthereforms (from 3min15sec)

More practicals in science  Students will do a minimum of 12 practicals across their A-level course Questions in exam papers will test students' knowledge and understanding of

their practical work Students will be awarded an A-level grade based on their exams, and a 'pass' or

'fail' for practical work in lessons Teachers will assess students’ practical skills as part of the Practical Endorsement

at A level. This is separate to the A level grade, and if awarded, will be reported as a 'Pass' on students' A level certificates

Students will better develop the vital skills they need for further study

Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC)

Score - http://www.score-education.org/media/16504/awarding%20body%20response%20to%20offer%20of%20help%20re%20trial.pdf

5 areas – see next slide

Competency Practical mastery In order to achieve a pass, students will need to have met the following expectations:

Students will be expected to develop these competencies through the acquisition of the technical skills specified for each science subject Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Students can demonstrate these competencies in any practical activity undertaken throughout the course of study. The 12 practical activities prescribed in the subject specification, which cover the requirements of appendix 5c of the DfE content for sciences, will provide opportunities for demonstrating competence in all the skills identified together with the use of apparatus and practical techniques for each subject.

Students may work in groups but must be able to demonstrate and record independent evidence of their competency. This must include evidence of independent application of investigative approaches and methods to practical work.

Teachers who award a pass to their students need to be confident that the student consistently and routinely exhibits the competencies listed below before completion of the A-level course.

1. Follows written proceduresCorrectly follows instructions to carry out the experimental techniques or procedures.

2. Applies investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipmentCorrectly uses appropriate instrumentation, apparatus and materials (including ICT) to carry out investigative activities, experimental techniques and procedures with minimal assistance or prompting. Carries out techniques or procedures methodically, in sequence and in combination, identifying practical issues and making adjustments when necessary.Identifies and controls significant quantitative variables where applicable, and plans approaches to take account of variables that cannot readily be controlled. Selects appropriate equipment and measurement strategies in order to ensure suitably accurate results.

3. Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materialsIdentifies hazards and assesses risks associated with these hazards when carrying out experimental techniques and procedures in the lab or field.Uses appropriate safety equipment and approaches to minimise risks with minimal prompting.Identifies safety issues and makes adjustments when necessary.

4. Makes and records observationsMakes accurate observations relevant to the experimental or investigative procedure.Obtains accurate, precise and sufficient data for experimental and investigative procedures and records this methodically using appropriate units and conventions. 5. Researches, references and reportsUses appropriate software and/or tools to process data, carry out research and report findings.Sources of information are cited demonstrating that research has taken place, supporting planning and conclusions.

Plenary

Please can you complete your learning logs and evaluation forms.